Voters seek strengthened manufacturing sector, poll finds

A new poll by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers shows 90 percent of voters want Congress to pass legislation that "drastically increases manufacturing jobs." 

"When Congress returns in September, it cannot merely tinker around the edges of policies that will impact manufacturing jobs and the future of America's economy," said AEM President Dennis Slater in prepared remarks. "Two very direct ways to create jobs: Meaningful funding of needed infrastructure improvements across the nation and export-friendly policies that spur trade." 

The poll comes on the heels of a Washington Post report that states the country's trade imbalance contributed mightily to the economic downturn. 

To correct the situation, AEM urged lawmakers to pass the pending free-trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. The pacts have been stalled in Congress since former President George W. Bush was in office. 

"We hope Speaker Pelosi and her colleagues heed this call when they return to work in September," Slater said.